AbeBooks.com. Thousands of booksellers - millions of books.

There are approximately 22,864 people named Turnbull in the UK. That makes it the 442nd most common surname overall. Out of every million people in the UK, approximately 362 are named Turnbull.

Region of origin

British Isles

Country of origin

Scotland

Language of origin

Gaelic

Religion of origin

Christian

Classification

Celtic


Related and similar surnames

Trumbull
Trumble
Turnball
Tournbull
Tornbull
Tirnbull
Tarnbull
Tournbul
Tornbul
Tirnbul
Tarnbul
Taunbull
Turnabull
Taunbul
Turmnbull
Thrnbull
Turnabul
Tornebull
Thurnbull
Turmnbul
Thrnbul
Thornbull
Tornebul

The Turnbull surname in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

This name had its origin in some feat of personal strength or courage. There is the following tradition of its origin: A strong man of the name of Ruel, having turned a wild bull by the head, which violently ran against King Robert Bruce in Stirling Park, received from the king the lands of Bedrule, and the name of Turnbull.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.

Patronymica Britannica (1860)

TURNBULL. Probably local. A tradition has, however, been made to fit the name. It seems that king Robert Bruce, being once upon a time in Stirling park, was attacked by a ferocious bull. A brave fellow, called Ruel, came to the rescue; turned tlie hull; and got not only the king's thanks, but the lands of Bedrule, and a new surname. It appears certain, however, that a champion of great stature called Turnbull fouglit under king David Bruce, at the battle of Halidon, and was killed there. Nisbet's Heraldry. Tlie analogous name Chacelyon is found in Essex, temp. Hen. VI. Knatchbull may also belong to this class.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.

Your comments on the Turnbull surname

comments powered by Disqus